Acclaimed director Stanley Kubrick shepherds a riveting look at the Vietnam War in "Full Metal Jacket" (1987). Based on Gustav Hasford's novel "The Short Timers," the film's first half follows a group of U.S. Marine volunteers as they endure grueling boot-camp training under the brutal watch of a drill instructor, memorably brought to life by R. Lee Ermey. Vincent D'Onofrio stars as a misfit recruit-turned-sharp-shooter. The film's second half takes place during the turning point of the Vietnam War, the 1968 Tet Offensive, seen through the eyes of a recruit and an aspiring photojournalist played by Matthew Modine. Adam Baldwin also stars.

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Acclaimed director Stanley Kubrick shepherds a riveting look at the Vietnam War in "Full Metal Jacket" (1987). Based on Gustav Hasford's novel "The Short Timers," the film's first half follows a group of U.S. Marine volunteers as they endure grueling boot-camp training under the brutal watch of a drill instructor, memorably brought to life by R. Lee Ermey. Vincent D'Onofrio stars as a misfit recruit-turned-sharp-shooter. The film's second half takes place during the turning point of the Vietnam War, the 1968 Tet Offensive, seen through the eyes of a recruit and an aspiring photojournalist played by Matthew Modine. Adam Baldwin also stars.